My Ultimate Guide to Gap Jeans—Tested & Reviewed, with Photos

Gap is the land of plenty, boasting a number of styles and even more fits and sizes to target every customer. I so appreciate the inclusivity, because finding a solid pair of jeans is no easy feat. Before you come into the dressing room with me, let me break down Gap’s offerings. First, you can select three Fit options: Regular (best for people 5’4” to 5’9”), Tall (best for 5’9” and above) and Petite (best for 5’4” and under). The fit will determine how the fabric is cut for a specific body type and height.

If you fall under the “Regular” fit, then another key factor to pay attention to is inseam, which is the measurement that starts where the fabric sits at the crotch and goes down to the bottom of the pant hem. This offers an even more bespoke fit for that diverse height range. Gap offers five different inseams: Petite (29 inches), Short (30 inches), Regular (31.5 inches), Long (33.5 inches) and Tall (35.5 inches).

Gap’s size range varies per style, but usually consists of sizes 23 to 35. While Gap does offer some of its jean styles in a Curvy fit (which offers extra room around the waist and thighs while maintaining the fit and preventing gapping), I would like to see more size options for plus-size women, as I’ve watched numerous reviews of frustrated customers trying on styles in their size that couldn't button.

When it comes to materials, the fabrics vary and many of the jeans I tried on are made of a cotton blend. While I do prefer a true cotton fit, as this will have the most longevity and won’t stretch out over time, I find that blends make jeans feel more comfortable and stretchy.

The Stride style is a true wide-leg silhouette with a high-rise fit. As soon as I slipped them on, I was immediately struck by how stretchy they felt. Despite having a lot of give, they don’t feel too spacious or big in the slightest—and there’s no gaping at the back of the waistband. They also have a lovely wide leg that felt effortless and chic, and will undoubtedly look great with any type of footwear, from flip-flops to heeled boots.

Fast Facts

• Fit: regular, tall, petite
• Inseam: short, regular, long
• Materials: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane
• Size Range: 23 to 35
• Colors: 11

I tried on these bad boys during my previous visit and was instantly impressed with Gap’s light and comfortable UltraSoft fabric. Along with the exaggerated balloon-like cut, the high-rise, horseshoe style has a relaxed drape that just oozes coolness. The cotton/viscose blend is paper-thin, which probably explains why these feel comfortable enough to wear on a plane. I find they run true to size. The only thing I was hesitant about was the inseam length, as I wish these hit an inch further on my frame, so perhaps I could opt for the longer inseam.

Fast Facts

• Fit: regular, tall, petite
• Inseam: short, regular, long
• Materials: 59 percent cotton, 36 percent Tencel viscose, 5 percent recycled cotton
• Size Range: 23 to 35
• Colors: 5

Calling all Gen Zers! Gap’s Baggy jeans are intentionally slouchy, loose and dripping with style. Unlike previous high-rise fits, this cut is mid-rise. Because it’s slouchy, the fabric blend is somewhat rigid, striking a nice balance so it won’t stretch with wear and end up looking frumpy. While I like this idea, I did find the waistband to be rather taut, sucking me in with little to no give. That’s great in theory, but I don’t want to worry about my belly popping out throughout the day. For that reason, I would suggest sizing up from your usual size for a true baggy, comfortable fit around the waist. I will also give it major kudos for feeling soft elsewhere, literally cascading off my bum and not squeezing my thighs, knees or calves in the slightest.

Fast Facts

• Fit: regular, tall, petite
• Inseam: short, regular, long
• Materials: 55 percent cotton, 40 percent Lyocell Lenzing Tencel, 5 percent recycled cotton
• Size Range: 23 to 35
• Colors: 22

Slink into this denim number and you'll be stepping into the time warp that is le skinny jean. At least, that’s how it felt to this Zillennial who grew up wearing her sisters’ hand-me-down skinnies. Even though I can’t seem to get on board with the fact that skinny jeans are back, along with every other trend from the aughts (Ed Hardy hats, Juicy Couture tracksuits, shield sunglasses—need I say more?), I did find this particular pair of skinny jeans to be quite soft and stretchy, thanks to that blend of cotton, recycled materials and stretch fabric. I also remember my skinny jeans of yesteryear having faux pockets, but luckily these are fully functional. They’re definitely a great pair to wear if you want to tuck them into knee-high boots, especially riding boots.

Fast Facts

• Fit: regular, tall, petite
• Inseam: short, regular, long
• Materials: 81 percent cotton, 13 percent recycled cotton, 2 percent elastane, 4 percent elasterrell
• Size Range: 24 to 35
• Colors: 4

I had, and always will have, high expectations for a vintage-inspired '90s style. After all, it has a lot to live up to, especially when compared to the iconic 501s. Unfortunately, this pair missed the mark in my book. Its cut felt off, and I’m not sure whether that was due to the awkward low-rise waist or the tight fit throughout, which made the loose fabric around the ankles feel like a mistake rather than intentional. In fact, this pair was so tight around my waist and thighs that I almost couldn’t button them. So if you dare to try them yourself, definitely consider sizing up one size, as this denim blend has practically no give.

Fast Facts

• Fit: regular, tall, petite
• Inseam: short, regular, long
• Materials: 83 percent cotton, 5 percent recycled cotton, 11 percent polyester, 1 percent elastane
• Size Range: 23 to 35
• Colors: 20